Education

Uniting people through history

Bringing harmony: Tunku Zain says that understanding history can help resolve conflicts.

THE younger generation should improve their knowledge of history so as to strengthen unity among various races as it is instrumental in the country’s development and progress, said Tunku Zain Al-’Abidin Tuanku Muhriz.

He said through history, society could learn about previous conflicts and appreciate the differences between the various races and religions.

“A lack of knowledge in history could lead to conflicts. The question of unity cannot be resolved if we do not instil a sense of history shared by us,” he said at a discourse on arts at the Royal Museum (which is hosued at the former Istana Negara) in Kuala Lumpur, organised by the National Culture and Arts Department and the Museum Department.

He said he fully supported the formation of the National Unity Consultative Council by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak as it was in line with the objective of achieving national unity by overcoming racial polarisation in the country.

Tunku Zain said it was important that the country’s education system and History as a subject, provide a platform for students to understand the country’s formation.

“It is important that they do not just accept history as is, without knowing or studying historical facts.

“I suggest that the younger generation get historical facts through the right channels and sources,” he said.

Tunku Zain Al-’Abidin has authored a book entitled Payung Berdaulat Warisan Beradat to mark the installation of his father, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir as the 11th Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan and heads a project to revise the Negri Sembilan state anthem. — Bernama